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56 "Dearest sister, I am not afraid of the Dragon, nor of all his strength."

"Are you then the Pea, and therefore able to withstand him?"

"Wait a moment, sister; let me have something to drink first."

"And what will you drink, brother?"

"A bucketful of mead."

Vasilisa ordered a bucket of mead to be brought in, and Ivan drank it at a draught, without even once stopping to take breath; he then asked for more. The surprised princess ordered some more mead to be brought in.

"Now, brother," she said, "I believe that you are Ivan the Pea."

"Give me something to eat, dear sister, and then let me rest after my journey."

The princess then directed her servants to bring in a strong chair. Ivan sat down upon it, and it immediately broke into pieces. The attendants then brought another chair, still stronger, covered and joined together with iron. When Ivan sat down, it creaked and bent under him.

"Oh brother!" cried the princess, "that is the Dragon's own seat."

"It seems then," said Ivan smiling, "that I am heavier than he."